Technology is advancing fast and the health sector is no different. Technology has left its mark on the health sector in the form of “Digital Health Technology”. Digital Health Technology includes a wide range of devices like telemedicine platforms, mobile health applications, wearable health monitors and artificial intelligence-based diagnostic tools.
They are revolutionizing the provision of healthcare. While promising, they are confronted with gigantic challenges that must be addressed.
Key Insights
Digital health technology enables individuals in the rural communities to be in a position to receive virtual consultations and remote monitoring
It enhances efficiency and patient-centered care
The technology encounters bumps such as requirements for professional training and regulatory changes
Benefits of Digital Health Technology
Digital Health Technologies have the following benefits:
1. Improved access to care
With the digital health technology revolution, healthcare has been made available more particularly to the disadvantaged and rural population. Telemedicine and mobile health apps allow patients to access healthcare professionals from home without having to take a trip.
2. Efficiency and cost saving
EHRs and other technology gadgets reduce administrative work and reduce paperwork allowing practitioners to devote more attention to patient care. This translates to cost savings for both health care providers as well as for the patients.
3. Enhanced Patient Engagement
Patients are currently involved in more self-management because of wearables and mobile applications. They are now able to monitor vital signs,track fitness and remind them to take medication with technology and apps,which enables them to recognize illness earlier.
4. Better Disease Management
Chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease can be easily treated using digital technology that monitors symptoms and alerts patients as well as physicians of impending issues before they reach the emergency stage.
5. Personalized Medicine
The technology helps in creating customized plans of treatment based on the individualized health profile of the patient. AI and Data Analytics can be utilized here.
Challenges of Digital Health Technology
1. Privacy and Data Security
Perhaps the most challenging for the health organization will be protecting sensitive health data. Patient privacy can be compromised through cyber attacks and security intrusions, and this calls for regular security practices and regulatory standards.
2. Digital Divide
Not everybody owns a smart phone or has access to the internet. The digital divide will keep some of the population particularly the elderly and rural residents from being able to utilize the potential of digital health solutions.
3. Lack of Human Touch
Although it is convenient to be able to consult remotely, they can be impersonal and without the physical examination that an office visit provides. Quality of care may be low in some cases.
4. Accuracy and Reliability
All digital health tools are not created equal. A bad app or flawed test can lead to misdiagnosis or not treating at all.
5. Training and Adaptation
Healthcare practitioners should be equipped to successfully utilize new digital technologies. Resistance and unfamiliarity can delay the use of new digital technologies.
Read Also
5 Ways to Use Your Smartphone to Improve Your Health
Digital Detox: How to Take Healthy Breaks From Your Devices
Top 5 Fitness and Health YouTube Channels for Nigerians
5 Ways To Practice Gratitude Every Day
Conclusion
This future of digital health is worth welcoming, but there are challenges to be addressed, including privacy and security concerns, and non-standardization of the industry. Together, the health industry and technology leaders can collaborate to make the future of digital health a time of better outcomes at reduced expense for patients. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can make sure that digital health technology improves the health of all citizens equally and justly.
“Do you want to be ahead of your competition with our bespoke web development services? We are the right solution! Reach out to us.”